Yang Lin warned Yang Xiong not to leak the information about the whale glue, intending to verify its effects himself before deciding how to proceed.
Over the next few days, both Yang Lin and Sun Yu took leave to stay at home. They purchased several pieces of high-year whale glue, each estimated to be around ten thousand years old.
In this era, whale glue was primarily known for its aphrodisiac properties and wasn't considered valuable. Even millennium-grade whale glue cost only a few thousand gold soul coins—affordable for the Yang family.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong continued his daily routine of attending school. In class, Ning Rongrong hadn't told anyone about the whale glue incident, but she often gave Yang Xiong strange looks.
That evening, after dinner, Yang Lin and Sun Yu appeared somewhat tense.
"Xiao Xiong, after verifying it over the past few days, we've confirmed that the whale glue has remarkable effects. Following your method, both your mother and I consumed it, and our soul power increased by one level. We also feel significantly stronger, and the flow of soul power within our bodies has accelerated. Your mother's improvement seems even greater than mine."
Yang Xiong smiled. "Dad, since no one else knows about this secret yet, we should buy as much whale glue as possible while it's still affordable. It might become unattainable later."
Yang Lin nodded. "I've already purchased several pieces, enough for you and your brother to use in the future. Since you discovered this secret, I plan to report it to the sect. Is there any reward you'd like to request?"
Yang Xiong thought for a moment before replying, "Dad, when you report this to the sect, could you say that you were the one who discovered it? I'm only eight years old, and if others find out, they might misunderstand my intentions."
Yang Lin shook his head. "Xiao Xiong, you still don't fully understand the rules of survival within the sect. In the sect, it's better to stand out than to remain unnoticed, especially in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which doesn't discriminate against any type of martial soul.
"Thanks to this discovery, the sect will recognize your talent and likely prioritize your cultivation in the future. For example, whenever there are opportunities or benefits, they'll think of you first. Remember, the sect's resources are limited."
"Besides, this is a major discovery. I plan to personally report it to the sect leader with you. Given the strict internal management of our sect, your information won't be leaked."
Yang Lin left one thing unsaid: Yang Xiong had been the last in Class One to break through to level ten, which might have led others to believe he lacked talent. If this shocking discovery came to light, even the sect leader would take notice.
Yang Xiong finally nodded. He had always thought of quietly cultivating, believing he could catch up to and eventually surpass others. But now, he realized he had been overly optimistic.
The inner sect of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was located near Seven Treasures City but nestled deep within a mountainous region. The surrounding peaks acted as natural barriers, and the inner sect itself resembled a smaller, highly fortified city.
In a grand hall, Ning Fengzhi sat with Sword Elder (Jian Douluo) and Bone Elder (Gu Douluo), discussing Ning Rongrong.
"Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, I see that Rongrong has been performing well at school recently, and her soul power is advancing rapidly. She truly is the most talented disciple in the history of our Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda Martial Soul."
Both Sword Elder and Bone Elder nodded, clearly agreeing with Ning Fengzhi's assessment.
Ning Fengzhi continued, "I've observed that Class One has performed well overall. Within two years, everyone has become a Soul Master, including that child whose martial soul is his entire body."
Bone Elder scoffed. "With an innate soul power level of six, it took him two years to reach level ten—that's quite slow. Our Rongrong is already nearing level sixteen."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled. "His martial soul quality is ultimately inferior, but Teacher Lin Gong seems fond of the boy. He says the child ranks first academically, reads extensively, and possesses vast knowledge. Additionally, he's particularly dedicated to physical training—his physical condition is the best in the entire class."
"You know how strict Lin Gong is when it comes to teaching. That's why I entrusted him with Rongrong's education."
Bone Elder sneered. "Misplaced priorities. For soul masters, the focus should be on increasing soul power, especially during childhood, which is the golden period for cultivation. Wasting time on trivial matters is squandering one's potential."
Ning Fengzhi said nothing, seemingly agreeing with Bone Elder. Meanwhile, Sword Elder remained silent, his eyes closed as if indifferent to worldly affairs.
At that moment, a knock came from outside the door. "Sect Leader, Outer Sect Steward Yang Lin has arrived with his son Yang Xiong. They claim to have an urgent matter to report, involving some confidential information."
Ning Fengzhi remained calm. "Let them come directly to the hall."
Bone Elder frowned. "Fengzhi, what important matter could an outer sect steward possibly discover? Shouldn't they report to the Outer Elder instead?"
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "Uncle Gu, I've reviewed their family's background. They've served our sect's outer circle for generations—they're trustworthy. Moreover, they must have made a significant discovery; otherwise, they wouldn't dare approach me."
Under escort, Yang Xiong and Yang Lin soon entered the hall. Inside, besides the familiar figures of Sword Elder and Ning Fengzhi, stood a towering man with a fierce appearance and prominent bones—undoubtedly Bone Elder.
Of the three, Ning Fengzhi appeared warm and welcoming, Sword Elder remained detached with his eyes closed, and Bone Elder exuded an aura of aloofness.
Yang Xiong and Yang Lin bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Sect Leader, Senior Jian Douluo, Senior Gu Douluo!"
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly. "No need for formalities. Your family has long been part of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—you don't need to be nervous."
"So, what brings you here today?"
Yang Lin quickly replied, "Sect Leader, we've made a significant discovery that may benefit the sect. We've recorded all the details."
With that, Yang Lin handed over a sheet of paper detailing the family's experiences with consuming whale glue, including methods of preparation and usage.
Bone Elder flicked his hand, and the paper floated into his grasp. Without looking at it, he passed it to Ning Fengzhi.
As Ning Fengzhi read the contents, his expression grew increasingly serious, even revealing a hint of excitement.
"Yang Lin, have you personally verified that this method works? Are you certain there are no side effects?"
Bone Elder was astonished. Ning Fengzhi was usually composed and rarely showed emotion—why did he seem so unsettled now?
Yang Lin replied gravely, "Sect Leader, after our son's discovery, my wife and I personally tested it. So far, there have been no side effects."
Ning Fengzhi nodded. "Excellent. I'll arrange for further verification. If confirmed, this will be the greatest discovery for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect in nearly a century. You will be regarded as great contributors to the sect."
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